March 12th: Time for a 'Just Transition Day of Action'

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - 350.org, the Council of Canadians, students from Carihi Secondary school and other members of the community will be holding a ‘Just Transition Day of Action’ in from of MP Rachel Blaney’s office in Campbell River, on March 12th.

Similar demonstrations are taking place in cities, towns and villages across Canada, from Victoria to Halifax.

“We're gonna have a little demonstration around what we feel should be in the act. Rachel Blaney herself will be there to speak. The whole purpose is to call attention to the ‘just transition act’ that prime minister Trudeau and the liberals promised during the 2019 election election, but have not brought in yet. We feel it's imperative given the climate emergency that we're and given the need for transitioning to renewable energy,” said Richard Hagensen, from the Campbell River chapter of the Council of Canadians.

“Things are accelerating to the point where, unless we cut the carbon emissions and start looking very seriously at alternative sustainable energy sources we're going to be in deep trouble.”

He recited a number of recent extreme weather events as examples: BC’s heat dome last summer, the droughts, especially in California, the floods that happened in BC and elsewhere.

Hagensen believes Canada needs to:

wind down the fossil fuel industry,
end the estimated $4.8 billion of fossil fuel subsidies that is being paid out by the federal and provincial governments
reduce emissions by at least 60% over 2005 levels,
expanding the social safety net through new income supports
fund affordable public transit.
Paying for the transition by taxing the wealthiest people in corporations and financing through public bank
protecting and strengthening human rights
respect Indigenous rights and
include First Nations, their knowledge and sovereignty in the planning process for the Just Transition Act.

“Thus far, there has been pretty much silence from the liberal government in power when the issues have been brought up in parliament by various MPS across the country, including Rachel Blaney,” said Hagensen.

The rally in support of a ‘Just Transition’ Act will be held outside Blaney’s constituency office (427-10th Ave.) at 11:30 AM. of Rachel Blaney, North Island-Powell River MP.

“You are encouraged to join us! For more information, contact Council of Canadians, Campbell River Chapter [email protected]," said Hagensen.